Ethiopia has accused Egypt of fueling tensions over the Nile River and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), saying Cairo’s recent remarks reflect a “colonial-era mindset” that threatens regional cooperation among Nile Basin countries.
In a statement released Monday, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy criticized what it called Egypt’s “hostile and outdated rhetoric,” adding that Addis Ababa “will not be intimidated or forced to abandon its sovereign right to develop its natural resources.”
The response came a day after Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi warned that Egypt “will not stand idly by” regarding Ethiopia’s approach to the Nile, vowing to take “all necessary measures” to protect Egypt’s water interests.
Ethiopia said such comments undermine efforts to build trust among riparian states and contradict the principles of fair and equitable use of shared resources. The ministry added that Egypt has “consistently obstructed regional cooperation” by rejecting the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) — the only treaty that includes all Nile Basin nations.
“The time for monopolizing the Nile is over,” the ministry said, urging Egypt to “embrace dialogue and mutual respect” instead of confrontation.
The GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, remains a major point of contention between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. While Addis Ababa views the dam as vital for its development and regional energy supply, Cairo fears it could reduce its historical share of Nile waters.
Regional observers say the renewed exchange highlights the fragility of negotiations over water sharing, which have stalled repeatedly despite mediation efforts by the African Union and international partners.